Jacques Martin might be pleased that his team is up 1-0 in their series, but the Habs coach quickly turned into Debbie Downer when pushed to gush about his squad’s quick start.

“You can’t be satisfied or let up after one game. You need four to win a series,” reminded Martin. “We can’t kick up our feet and relax now – especially not against a dangerous team like the Capitals. They just have so many ways to hurt you. We also can’t play on our heels, either. He have to be even hungrier to win Game 2.”

With every game of the 2010 playoffs having been decided by a single goal so far and two games having gone to overtime, Martin knows how slim the margin between winning and losing can be at this time of year.

“This year’s playoffs are a perfect example of the parity that exists in the game today,” explained Martin, who has clearly been doing his homework. “I mean, seven games all decided by one goal tells you all you need to know. Every game is a battle. I think a lot of series are going to go the distance and that’s good for the fans and good for hockey.”

After sounding like a guy who had his Corn Flakes altered this morning as opposed to having just grabbed a huge playoff win, the always business-like Martin did crack one smile when asked about his starter for Game 2.